Genealogy Workshops

Presented by the library’s Special Collections staff and members of the Ranger Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), these events are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all levels of interest and experience. All levels will learn something new!

ONLINE Genealogy Workshop
17th Century Handwriting: Reading Bradford’s Journal and Transcribing Old Town Records
with Robert Cameron Weir
Thursday August 20 | 6 - 8 PM
Register Here!

In this workshop you’ll hear the story of Plymouth Colony and the surprising story of the manuscript itself, and then receive a tutorial on how to read and transcribe early 17th century handwriting. It is easier than you might think!

As New England marks this year the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower, join us for a workshop on William Bradford’s journal, “Of Plimoth Plantation.” Bradford was a Mayflower passenger and the longest-serving governor of Plymouth Colony. He maintained a journal that documented the history of the Pilgrims from 1608 to 1647.

We’ll work through selected passages from Bradford’s journal, and together experience the satisfaction of reading, and understanding, a 400-year-old handwritten manuscript.

We will then discuss the various conventions for transcribing historical manuscripts, focusing on the semi-diplomatic style. You will learn some new skills to assist in your family research, and hear about upcoming local transcription project opportunities as Portsmouth approaches its own 400th anniversary in 2023.

Rob is a professional genealogist and the proprietor of Yourigins, in Dover, New Hampshire. He is a 12th generation New Englander with 16 years of experience in genealogical research. He is certified in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education is a member of the Association for Professional Genealogists. He is a 1991 graduate of Harvard College.

Materials for this workshop may be found here: yourigins.com/reading-17th-century-handwriting. You may want to print these out to follow along with the presentation.

Please register in advance.

Zoom login information will be sent via email prior to the meeting.

Stay tuned for future workshops in the series! Questions? Contact Nicole Luongo Cloutier.